It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most: it’s making a great deal out of the little ones. – Jean Webster
It’s interesting to notice how a day can start off with a particular trajectory and then so completely transform given one’s attention and energy.
When the day started, I was grateful to feel just well enough to tackle work, household chores, walking the dog, and grocery shopping all with the intention of getting back on track after a recent flu. I was looking forward to seeing friends and a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant later in the evening.
However, after the bulk of the chores were done, I felt spent, so I canceled dinner and took a nap. During my nap, I had a dream that was all about sensuality and all the ways my responsibilities can cut me off from this vital source of creative energy. When I woke, I felt completely different, energized by the prospect of allowing pleasure into my day and life. And then it hit me: when I’m in balance, I make room for more pleasure and I indulge unapologetically. So, I checked in with my friends and rallied for the evening out after all.
There is a reciprocal nature to energy derived from sensual pursuits.
We often find ourselves not indulging because we feel tired and that little bit of extra effort to go out and have fun seems monumental. When we actually do it, we’re reminded that we’re nourished by connection, scintillating dialogue with others, and opportunities for insights.
I love to get dressed in beautiful clothes and go out to eat foods that are fresh and inspired. I’m really struck by how much we get caught up in being practical and responsible all the time. Whatever transformation needs to take place, and is taking place in my life now, is all about pleasure, sensuality, and living fully.
Looking at why pursuits of pleasure in general are so important, I find that they serve to renew my vitality, help manifest insights and inspiration, and they feed my sensuality, which serves my fullest potential. I believe that austerity serves a purpose . . . occasionally, perhaps. But to honor the sacred in all things, myself included, is to fully embrace the miracle that life is in all of its pleasures. I feel as though my life has served enough pain, enough hard work, and enough fear.
I’m all about the joy, the beauty, and the exquisite dynamic of it all!
It’s so easy to get caught up, to get busy with busyness. Evenings that are a ritual remind us, remind me, to stop and smell the flowers. I did stop to smell the blooming lilacs on my morning walk with the dog, and yes, those lilacs were heavenly! Lilac is the smell I associate with spring … and in a way, I’m in the spring of my life right now: I’m breathless for all of the exquisite moments that are blooming!
